Why Benjamin Netanyahu poses an obstacle to US and Iran peace deal
Prime minister under pressure to show his campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran have brought results as he faces elections with his political survival at risk
TL;DR
- Benjamin Netanyahu's military actions in Lebanon are a sticking point in US-Iran peace talks.
- Netanyahu faces pressure from upcoming elections and his own political survival.
- A reported tense phone call between Trump and Netanyahu reveals friction over military operations.
- Trump's administration may wish to appear tough on Israel to avoid perceptions of being dictated to.
- Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz and its crippled economy are key factors in negotiations.
- Netanyahu's leverage on negotiations may be Israel's ongoing military operations in Lebanon.
- Trump is hesitant to offer incentives like unfreezing Iranian assets, a reversal of previous policy.
- Trump claims he is close to a deal with Iran.